By Radhika Bhirani, IANS
New Delhi : Irene Singh, a 25-year-old software executive and a former short distance runner, put on at least seven kg after joining a firm in Gurgaon a year ago. As the jeans became tight around the waist owing to long hours on the desk, Irene panicked – and picked up a racing bike.
Cycling, say doctors and health professionals in India, is the most effective way to promote good health. Apart from stimulating a person’s cardio-health, cycling can be a wholesome workout tool to improve the mental, physical and overall well-being of a person.
As a form of exercise cycling is very relevant for Indians, says Umesh Gupta, a senior cardiologist at Umkal Hospital in Gurgaon.
Gupta said: “Obesity is growing among Indian kids, so cycling right from childhood tones up the body, decreasing the risks of obesity-related ailments later in life.
“Also, due to their body structure, Indians have an innate tendency to put on weight on the thighs and calves. Cycling works miraculously on those areas,” he said.
Another fact that Gupta indicated is that since the average height of Indians is shorter than people in the rest of the world, cycling can help in increasing height during the initial years of growth by stretching the muscles.
According to doctors, 15 to 20 minutes of cycling is equivalent to an hour of aerobic exercise. Cycling, he said, is extremely beneficial for proper functioning of the heart.
“Cycling leads to continuous activation of muscles in the hands, legs and other body parts along with expansion of blood vessels. This combination results in reduced demand for oxygen in the body. With a reduced load of pumping oxygen, the heart functions well and the stress on the organ is relieved,” he explained.
Experts also believe that cycling defies age. A growing child can cycle every day to avoid obesity and bone-related problems and a grown-up can reduce the risks of heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and other ailments by including cycling in the daily fitness regimen.
In India, where over 40 million people suffer from diabetes, cycling assumes greater significance.
Sanjay Sarup, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, said cycling helps the body manufacture Vitamin D.
“Increased outside activity helps the body produce Vitamin D. This boosts calcium absorption levels in the body and makes the bones become healthier and stronger,” said Sarup.
“Increased muscle movement induces tightening of muscles around the ankle, knee and hips, which combine to promote firmness of the joints. Pedalling improves nutrition of cartilage inside the joints which contributes to building healthier bones,” Sarup added.
Riding a bicycle not only gives a daily dose of exercise fix, but also helps alleviate mental tension and anxiety.
Samir Parikh, chief of the department of Mental Health and Behavioural Science at Max Healthcare, suggested that individuals who are inclined towards sports should take up cycling to bust stress.
“Indulgence in activities that give you pleasure can always be used for de-stressing,” he said.
Noida-based bike manufacturing company Firefox offers over 40 models compliant with cycles of international standards.
Shiv Inder Singh, managing director of Firefox India, said: “Cycling has been universally recognised as one of the finest forms of exercise. We should definitely not step down on it. At Firefox, we try to combine the thrill of competitive sports along with the joy of a fun-filled activity to boost ‘biking culture’ in our country.”